This Colonial-era signature space is making a big comeback in new builds.

While the keeping room has historical roots, its purpose couldn’t be more on point for today.

The hearth kept them warm, hence the name.

Erin and Ben Napier’s Country Home

The keeping room in Erin and Ben Napier’s Mississippi country home.Credit: Brooke Davis-Jefcoat

Because the fireplace was the main attraction, these were sometimes called “hearth rooms.”

Comfortable seating comes next.

After that, it can flex according to your needs.

A desk for writing letters or a daybed or cot wasn’t uncommon, either.

A keeping room is usually smaller, too, suited for two to four people at once.

Then, furnish accordingly, focusing on comfort and coziness.

(Try playing with different texturessuper soft rug,plush pillows, natural woven furnitureas a first step.)

Even a small kitchen could absorb an overstuffed armchair, table, and stack of games or books.

A warm space with comfortable practicalityit’s no wonder the keeping room is timeless.